Harsha Jani

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Harsha Jani with her family by her side. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Andy, and her three children Poonam (Matthew), Jayash (Jassi) and Harish (Asha), as well as her three grandchildren, Luka, Amara and Nyah.

Harsha was born on June 29, 1957, in Kampala, Uganda, and spent her early years moving with her family across countries in Africa. They left Uganda for Tanzania and later relocated to Zambia before eventually departing the continent to settle permanently in England. Amid these moves, Harsha’s education took her far from home to a boarding school in Mount Abu, India, where she was surrounded by jungles, colonial cottages, and spiritual retreats. She regularly traveled back from school to visit her family and treasured a memorable trip to Kashmir, where she visited Dal Lake,becoming the only member of her family to visit this historic region.

When her family established themselves in England, Harsha transferred to high school in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she completed her studies. As the eldest sibling, she shouldered the responsibility of caring for her younger brothers, Kumar and Rajiv, and her sister Siddhi. These experiences, growing up across multiple countries, adapting to new environments, and nurturing her family, shaped her resilience, curiosity, and deep sense of devotion.

She went on to study chemistry and biology at Charles King College. From there she built a respected career as a professional stenographer, first at her father’s company. She then started working at the local hospital, where she worked alongside doctors, transcribing their dictations with precision and care. Tech-savvy and exceptionally fast, she was known as one of the quickest typists of her time.

In England, she was also well-known local celebrity working as a broadcaster at Radio Leicester. She interviewed and met many stars, including, Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor. She actively dedicated her time to nonprofit work with the Hindu Brahm Samaj, sharing spiritual and cultural philosophy. Harsha was also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star, an organization affiliated with the Freemasons and known for their charitable work, supporting various local charities.

Harsha took great pride in being a well traveled individual. She began her worldwide travels at a young age and independently visited over 20 countries across Europe.

On April 2, 1983, she married her life partner, Ashok Andy Jani, in a Hindu ceremony in England. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Canada, first settling in Regina, Saskatchewan. In Regina they welcomed their three children: Poonam in 1985, Jayashin 1987, and Harish in 1989.

In early 1990, the Jani family then moved to the West coast and made their permanent home in Victoria, British Columbia.

Harsha worked at Royal Jubilee Hospital for over 23 years in Victoria, earning deep respect from her colleagues and patients. She was known for her warmth, reliability, and unwavering positive spirit. She was loved by the doctors, nurses, and staff alike.

Her colleagues continued to remark long after she retired, that they cherished their conversations with her, especially recalling her stories about her family, recent vacations and upcoming travel plans, and brightening every conversation with her radiant smile.

Her passions extended beyond work and family. She loved to travel, taking frequent trips across Canada, Europe, USA, Mexico, Caribbean and the far East including India,and enjoyed numerous cruises to places she adored.

In all these long journeys from Kampala in the tumultuous 1950s and 1960s, to the hills of Mount Abu, through migrations, professional achievements, and dedication to immediate and extended family, she radiated compassion, adaptability, and grace.

Her greatest joy in life was family. She was a devoted mother to her children and was involved in many aspects of their lives including school trips, Girl Guides, travel soccer games and planning every birthday party for them. After her children grew up and got married her next greatest joy was becoming a grandmother, affectionately known as Mimi to Luka (August 2021), Amara (March 2023), and Nyah (December 2023). Becoming a grandmother was the highlight of her life, she loved every moment with them, from reading, playing, having countless Facetime calls, and going for walks with them. She cherished this time and made sure that every moment spent with them was special.

Harsha always made time for the small joys that brought her happiness; Wordle, Sudoku puzzles, watching movies and conquering levels on Candy Crush, applying the same focus and persistence she brought to everything in her life.

Harsha will be greatly missed by her husband Andy, her three children Poonam (Matthew), Jay (Jassi), and Harish (Asha), her three grandchildren Luka, Amara, and Nyah, her mother, her brothers, her sister, members of her extended Trivedi, Tripathi, and Jani Family, and the numerous relatives and friends in Canada, the UK, East Africa, the USA, and around the world whose lives were touched by her infectious voice and laughter, generosity, compassion, and radiant spirit.

Thank you to all our family and friends and neighbours for supporting our family. A service will be held on Thursday August 7, 2025 10:00 AM in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Services, 4665 Falaise Dr. Victoria,BC.

May Harsha’s memory be a blessing and may her stories continue to inspire her children and children’s children.

Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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